Discusses the relationship between squatters and the state in Brazil. Information on redemocratization in Latin America; Return of electoral democracy; Political transition from authoritarian to procedurally democratic regimes; Detailed information on the squatter settlements in Brazil; Distribution and sale of cocaine from public low-income housing projects; Information on prison authorities in Brazil.
On Nov 15, 1996, Sao Paolo, Brazil's largest and richest city, elected its first black mayor, former finance secy Celso Roberto Pitta do Nascimento, who won 57% of the vote.